Protections volley on Black Friday

Knee pads for volleyball, at the heart of defence

The knee pad is the king of protection in volleyball. A thick foam at the front of the knee cushions falls and slides, without hindering bending when you stay in a low position. Liberos and receivers often choose generous foam, while setters prefer a thinner knee pad that doesn't slow down their jump. Most are sold in pairs, indicated by the x2 label in the name of the product.

Shorts and base layers: compression under your kit

Shorts and base layers form the two largest families on the page. The short provides support for thigh muscles and protects the skin from floor burns, while the base layer keeps the upper body warm and wicks away sweat. They are worn under the shorts and match jersey as well as during training.

In volleyball, forearms take every reception with sleeves. A compression sleeve limits redness and protects the skin when the arm slides on the floor, while an elbow pad cushions falls onto the elbow. They can be found from Nike, with Dri-FIT sleeves, from Mizuno or Errea, in the colours of the French team.

Ankle supports and stability after a sprain

Ankle sprains are the classic injury in volleyball, often occurring when falling onto an opponent's foot under the net. A stabilising ankle support provides reassurance on recovery, but doesn’t replace strength training. Thuasne, Select, and McDavid offer several levels. If pain persists, consult a doctor or physio before playing again.

Errea, Mizuno, McDavid: brand pages

• The Errea protections include the Tokyo and Atena Evolution knee pads, base layers, and shorts.
• At Mizuno, the VS1 knee pad and Team model come in several colours, along with elbow pads and shorts.
• McDavid offers its Hex Force and Volley Pro knee pads, Hex sleeves, and a padded short.
• Select mainly features knee pads, with ankle supports, elbow pads, sleeves, and a compression short.
• Thuasne, a specialist in joint support, provides ankle supports and a compression sleeve.
• Some models from Under Armour complete the range.

Nike, Asics, adidas, Hummel: other brands to know

After Errea and Mizuno, who have their own pages, four brands stand out. Nike offers its Nike Pro and Dri-FIT compression sleeves. Asics has its Gel knee pad in black, white, navy or fluorescent colours. adidas has its Adizero short, and Hummel, the most represented brand on the page, offers a wide range of protective textiles.

When to replace your protective gear

A crushed foam, an elastic that no longer holds, or a seam that gives way: a fatigued protective gear no longer really protects. The Black Friday, which only lasts a few days at the end of autumn, is the right time to change it. After that, the special protection offers remain available, the Christmas special offers accompany the holidays, and the protection sales arrive in winter. The protection clearance keeps end-of-line items. The whole operation is on the Black Friday page.

Frequently asked questions

Which low-cost volleyball knee pads to choose during Black Friday?

The simplest: stay on this page, choose the type of knee pad and then the sport volleyball, and compare the foams. For a specific brand, the pages protective Errea and protective Mizuno get straight to the point.

Volleyball knee pads or multisport models: what’s the difference?

A volleyball knee pad concentrates its foam at the front of the knee where it touches the floor during a dive. Multisport models often provide more uniform protection. For volleyball, choose a model designed for this sport.

Are knee pads sold in pairs?

Most are, yes: the x2 label in the name of the product indicates this. Some models are sold individually, which is specified on the product page.

How to prevent a knee pad from slipping during a match?

Choose the size according to the brand's guide, which specifies where to measure the leg, and wear it centred on the kneecap. A knee pad that's too large will slide down with the first dives, while one that's too tight will hinder circulation.

Soft or reinforced ankle support: which one to choose?

A soft neoprene ankle support keeps the joint warm and provides reassurance, while a reinforced ankle support limits twisting more after a sprain. Neither replaces warming up or strengthening: consult a health professional about the model and duration of use.